Posts Tagged ‘Coin Collecting’
Just released: Journey through the legacy of James Bond…
The Royal Mint have officially released a brand-new series of coins, taking collectors on a journey through an incredible legacy of cinematic history.
From the 60s, all the way through the noughties to present day, the new seven-coin series features none other than the suave and sophisticated, James Bond.
The 60’s
The first coin starts us off in the swinging 60s, with ‘You Only Live Twice’. The classic gun sight background and iconic 007 logo adorns the reverse, alongside an excellent depiction of autogyro ‘Little Nellie’ and Sean Connery’s adaptation of James Bond in the driver’s seat.
The Edition Limit
The Silver Proof edition of this coin – by far the most popular with collectors – has an edition limit of just 4,007 (do you see what they did there?). Now, let me put this into perspective…
In 2020, The Royal Mint released three, 1oz Silver Coins for James Bond – the first of its kind – each with an edition limit of 7,007 coins. All three coins completely sold out.
These coins are now highly desired by collectors. In fact, securing them on the secondary market can be a real chore given the scarcity and collectability of any piece of Bond memorabilia.
So, with an edition limit that is almost HALF that of the sell-out coins, these new coins are virtually guaranteed to be snapped up.
How you can secure yours
Should you wish to secure the limited Silver Proof version of this coin, or perhaps the Brilliant Uncirculated coin in official Royal Mint packaging, you can click here >>
What’s more, by securing your coin today you can be added to the Priority List, which will give you priority access to all future coins in ‘Decades of Bond £5 coin series’…
Witness a Historic Royal First by the Sovereign!
The brand-new UK 2024 Sovereign has just been revealed by the Royal Mint.
But what is the Sovereign?
When it comes to coins, few carry the weight of history and prestige quite like the Sovereign. From its humble beginnings in the late 15th century to its role as a symbol of British monetary stability and the grandeur of the British Empire, the story of the Sovereign coin is a fascinating journey through time. Join us as we explore the captivating history of this iconic gold coin in the video below.
The Birth of a Regal Coin:
The story of the Sovereign coin begins in 1489 during the reign of King Henry VII. This remarkable coin was aptly named the “Sovereign” and carried a face value of one pound. It featured a regal portrait of the reigning monarch on one side and the royal coat of arms on the other. This early version of the Sovereign set the stage for the coin’s enduring legacy.
The Tudor Period and Fluctuating Fortunes:
During the Tudor period, the Sovereign coin went through a series of changes in size and design. It was minted under various monarchs and experienced periods of discontinuation and revival, reflecting the turbulent political and economic landscape of the time.
The Great Recoinage of 1816:
The real turning point in the history of the Sovereign coin came during the reign of King George III. In 1816, a momentous event known as the Great Recoinage took place in the United Kingdom. It was here that the Sovereign received its iconic design featuring St. George slaying the dragon, a masterful creation by the Italian engraver Benedetto Pistrucci. This marked the resurgence of the Sovereign as a symbol of British monetary stability and the reach of the British Empire.
A Star in the Gold Standard:
Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the British Sovereign played a starring role in the international gold standard. Under this system, currencies were linked to a fixed quantity of gold, and Sovereigns were internationally recognised and accepted. They were both a symbol of British power and a vehicle for international trade.
The End of an Era:
The golden age of the Sovereign coin gradually faded with the dawn of the 20th century. The upheaval of World War I and the changing global economic landscape saw the United Kingdom officially abandon the gold standard in 1931. Gold coins, including the Sovereign, ceased to circulate.
A Collector’s Treasure:
Though no longer in everyday use, the Sovereign coin remains a beloved and coveted item among collectors and investors alike. The Royal Mint continues to produce gold Sovereigns in various designs and sizes, making it a timeless piece of numismatic history.
This years production of the 2024 Sovereign combines Pistrucci’s timeless design with the official coinage portrait of King Charles III, meticulously created by Martin Jennings, for the first time ever.
BRAND-NEW UK Snowman™ 50p released!
Today, the Royal Mint have launched their brand-new SnowmanTM 50p coin, just in time for Christmas.
It’s safe to say this coin is destined for sell-outs, given that in the last five years EVERY edition has sold out in record time.
Read on to find out more about this year’s designs, and those tiny edition limits…
Designed by Robin Shaw
This years design features ‘The Boy’, James, and the Snowman dancing in a snowy forest in front of the Northern Lights.
It has been carefully illustrated by Robin Shaw, a renowned animator who has famously produced all of the images that have appeared on the Snowman UK 50p coins. The design is especially eye-catching in Silver, due to the advance colour-application that brings the Northern Lights to life.
Although the design may be stunning , it’s the edition limits that will be catching the eye of collectors…
Sell-outs expected…
The limited-edition Silver Proof coin has an edition limit of just 5,000.
To put that into context, the 2018 SnowmanTM Silver 50p sold out an edition limit of 15,000.
That means this year’s coin is three times as limited. When you think about it, should every collector who secured the first coin want this latest release, we are already 10,000 short.
And that’s not all, the Gold Proof coin has had a drastic edition limit cut from 300 coins last year, to a minute 100. Again, this coin has sold-out year on year and the small numbers wont be enough to satisfy demand.
How to secure yours
This UK 50p coin is available in three specifications: Gold Proof, Colour-Printed Silver Proof, and Brilliant Uncirculated Quality. A specification for every collector. Click here to secure the perfect christmas present before it’s too late >
